Old Town San Diego is full of restaurants and eateries offering a variety of culinary experiences. From traditional Mexican dishes to modern American fare, Old Town has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch spot or a perfect dinner experience, Old Town San Diego offers plenty of options. Here is a list of some old-town restaurants in San Diego.
10 Best Old Town San Diego Restaurants
1. Casa Guadalajara – Best for Mexican Cuisine
Casa Guadalajara is a Mexican restaurant located in Old Town, San Diego. The family-friendly atmosphere and festive décor create a lively, authentic dining experience.
The menu features traditional Mexican fare, such as freshly prepared guacamole, tacos, tamales, enchiladas, chiles rellenos, burritos, and more. The restaurant offers Halal foods from around the world, making it one of the best places to find halal food in San Diego!
They are famous for their bright, flavorful, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Their signature dishes include Carne Asada and Molcajete Casa Guadalajara.
The Molcajete Casa Guadalajara is a sizzling dish of steak, carnitas, chicken, and shrimp with bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, and melted cheese.
Other favorites include the Tacos de Carnitas, Fajita Burrito Plate, and Chile Relleno Dinner. With its vibrant atmosphere, festive décor, and delicious cuisine, Casa Guadalajara is a favorite Old Town San Diego restaurant.
2. Cafe Coyote – Best for Giant Burrito
Cafe Coyote is one of the best restaurants in Old Town San Diego. Established in 1991, it has provided delicious Mexican cuisine to locals and visitors for almost 30 years.
The restaurant is located on the corner of Congress Street and Twiggs Street, right off the central plaza in Old Town.
Their signature dish of Coyote Cafe is a giant burrito stuffed with your choice of meat, beans, cheese, and other ingredients, all wrapped up in a tasty flour tortilla.
Other menu items include tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and chile rellenos. They also have an impressive list of freshly made margaritas to choose from.
Their outdoor seating area is excellent for enjoying the sunny San Diego weather while you eat. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner for two or a large group gathering, Cafe Coyote offers something for everyone.
3. Harney sushi – Best for Harney Sushi Combo Plate
Harney Sushi is a famous old-town cafe in San Diego, California. This classic sushi eatery offers delicious Japanese cuisine at affordable prices.
With its extensive menu of fresh sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies, Harney Sushi will satisfy every appetite.
Harney Sushi is best known for its signature Harney Sushi Combo Plate, which consists of four pieces of nigiri and two specialty sushi rolls.
Other popular dishes include the Tempura Roll, Soft Shell Crab Roll, and Tuna Tataki Plate.
In addition to its delicious food, Harney Sushi is also known for its friendly and attentive staff.
The servers are always eager to describe the menu items, answer any questions, and make recommendations based on individual tastes.
4. Pizza Bella – Best for its classic pizza
Pizza Bella is a beloved Italian restaurant in the heart of Old Town San Diego. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and delicious food, it’s no wonder Pizza Bella is so popular with locals and tourists alike.
The menu features classic Italian favorites such as pizzas, calzones, and pasta. All dishes are made with fresh, quality ingredients, and the chefs are committed to ensuring each meal is perfectly cooked.
Their signature dish is the classic pizza made with a thin, crispy crust and topped with mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, and herbs.
In addition to its mouthwatering food, Bella Pizza is also known for being an excellent spot for happy hour!
The atmosphere is always casual and fun, making it the perfect place to gather with family and friends.
5. Miguel’s Cocina – Best for its classic Mexican breakfast
Miguel’s Cocina is a popular restaurant in Old Town, San Diego. This award-winning eatery has been around since 1985 and serves up some of the best Mexican cuisines in the city.
From traditional tacos to enchiladas, Miguel’s Cocina offers something for everyone.
One of their specialties is their signature chorizo and eggs, a classic Mexican breakfast dish that will start any day off right. If you’re craving a delicious breakfast in burrito San Diego style, look no further than Miguel’s Cocina.
They also have a wide selection of tasty tacos, ranging from carne asada to shrimp. You can go right with the chile relleno or the chimichanga for dinner.
If you’re looking for a unique lunch spot, Miguel’s Cocina offers a variety of delicious burritos. No matter what you choose, you will be satisfied.
6. Old Town Mexican Cafe – Best for its Mexican cuisine
Old Town Mexican Cafe is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike in the old town of San Diego.
This Cafe is known for its classic and authentic Mexican cuisine. It offers a variety of dishes, including burritos, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and tamales.
They also serve traditional Mexican beverages such as horchata and agua fresca.
This old-town San Diego Mexican restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere, with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the weather or watch the old town come alive with activity.
The friendly and attentive service makes it a great place to relax and enjoy old-town San Diego Mexican cuisine.
7. Sushi Tadokoro – Best for its Traditional sushi rolls
Sushi Tadokoro is one of Old Town San Diego’s beloved sushi restaurants. Located in the heart of Old Town, this restaurant offers delicious Japanese cuisine with a unique and friendly atmosphere.
In addition to its delicious Japanese cuisine, Sushi Tadokoro offers mouth-watering Indian food San Diego residents and visitors love, including flavorful lamb vindaloo and spicy chicken tikka masala.
The restaurant is famous for its traditional sushi rolls, like the California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Tempura Rolls. But they also offer other dishes such as udon noodle soups, fresh salads, and tempura.
The restaurant is also known for its friendly staff and quick service. The waiters are always happy to help with any questions or special orders, and the food is served quickly once ordered.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or an intimate dinner, Sushi Tadokoro is the perfect place to get your Japanese food fixed in Old Town San Diego.
8. Bara Bara – Best for Mexican cuisine
Bara Bara, located in Old Town San Diego, is one of the most popular restaurants in the city.
The restaurant has a unique outdoor seating area that overlooks the historic State Historic Park and provides guests with beautiful views of downtown San Diego.
It’s well known for its fresh Mexican cuisine, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more.
This eatery also offers BBQ cuisine in town. It considers of the best bbq places in San Diego. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a nice meal with friends and family, Bara Bara is the perfect place.
9. Casa de Maria – Best for Margaritas
Casa de Maria is a vibrant and unique restaurant in the heart of Old Town San Diego. This Mexican restaurant offers traditional dishes such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more, combined with specialty items like chilaquiles and enchiladas.
Casa de Maria is known for its specialty margaritas. Other traditional Mexican drinks and house-made guacamole are made fresh to order.
The atmosphere is cheerful and inviting, with colorful Mexican décor and plenty of seating.
The picturesque view from the restaurant’s patio is one of its main attractions, with a large fountain that has been around since the early 1800s. Guests can enjoy their meal while enjoying the views of Old Town San Diego and the surrounding area.
10. Home & away – Best for Mexican dishes
Home & Away is an iconic restaurant in the heart of Old Town San Diego. The historic eatery has been serving delicious food and drinks since 1972, focusing on classic Mexican cuisine.
Home and Away is the perfect spot for a family meal or date night with its cozy atmosphere and colorful decor.
The restaurant is known for its delicious Mexican dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and nachos.
Home & Away also serves breakfast all day with favorites like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros.
Home & Away is a great spot to enjoy the atmosphere of Old Town San Diego.
Old Town San Diego Restaurants FAQs
Is it worth visiting Old Town, San Diego?
Yes, it is worth visiting Old Town, San Diego. This historic area offers a unique glimpse into California’s history. It provides plenty of activities for visitors, such as shopping and dining at numerous restaurants.
What makes Old Town San Diego unique?
Old Town San Diego is unique because of its view, restaurant and rich history.
Conclusion
Old Town San Diego is home to various fantastic restaurants with something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for Mexican food from Casa de Reyes or authentic Japanese fare from Koto Sushi Bar & Grill, Old Town San Diego has it all.
With its rich history and vibrant culture, dining in the area offers a unique experience for visitors and locals alike. So if you’re in the mood for something a little different, plan your next culinary adventure to Old Town San Diego. You won’t be disappointed!
